A) Students form a circle around a lamp with their backs to the light. They make four quarter turns to the left, stopping each time to observe the position of the lightbulb in their field of view (low, high, or absent). Repeat the turns several times with arms extended to the light, saying NIGHT, SUNRISE, DAY, SUNSET. Finally, use a globe, rotate it and note times of day at a fixed location.

B) Children use a marker to draw an "equator" and the letters USA on their blue balloons. They hold them with their sticks slanted on a slight (23 degrees) angle--all pointing to the same corner of the classroom. While standing in a circle around a lamp, they hold a meterstick (or dowel rod) between the lightbulb and the USA to observe the angle of radiation. Since direct rays cause more intense heat and light we can decide which "balloon-Earths" represent USA's summer, autumn, winter, and spring.

C) Children stand in front of a lamp holding a pencil with a styrofoam ball on it at eye level. As they circle their "moonball" they observe and name the lighted parts of it corresponding to the various phases of the moon.

Performance Assessment:

The student will be successful when he can explain to another person--in an oral, written, illustrated or demonstrative manner--what causes day and night,the seasons of the year and the phases of the moon.